Coyotes' Torres has 8 games left on suspension

Won't face Hawks, Hossa on Sunday

A lot of things have been abbreviated this season due to the lockout, including training camp and a regular season that will run 48 games instead of 82.

One thing not shortened is the remaining games on the suspension of Raffi Torres, given to the Coyotes forward for his illegal check on Blackhawks winger Marian Hossa during the first round of the 2012 playoffs.

After serving the final 13 games of the Coyotes' postseason run, Torres has eight games remaining on the suspension. Torres was originally suspended 25 games for the hit that sent Hossa to the hospital and ended his season, but NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman shortened it to 21 games after reviewing the case.

"The terms of the Torres suspension remain the same, as modified by the Commissioner's decision last summer," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in an email to the Tribune. "Neither the lockout nor the transition rules (in the new collective bargaining agreement) impacted the terms of the Torres suspension."

Torres will be allowed to practice with the Coyotes while serving the suspension but will not be eligible to play until Phoenix hosts the Stars on Feb. 2. The Hawks face the Coyotes on Sunday in Glendale, Ariz., and return there Feb. 7. Phoenix doesn't come to the United Center until April 20.